Essex-based charity CanalAbility has reached a major milestone in its mission to make the waterways more inclusive.
Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers, donors, and the National Lottery Community Fund, the charity has now placed an order for a brand new fully-electric, specially adapted and accessible canal boat.
The new boat will allow CanalAbility to offer more trips to people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and those facing social isolation — all while reducing the charity’s environmental impact.
But the journey doesn’t stop here. CanalAbility is now appealing for further support from the local community, businesses, and funders to help equip the boat and sustain its long-term impact.
““This new electric boat will offer a quieter, cleaner experience for our clients, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy the peace and beauty of the waterways in an accessible and inclusive way. It will allow us to run more trips for those who need them most while helping us reduce our carbon footprint and champion the benefits of green technology.”
This summer, join Rhiannon Faith Company & Harlow Playhouse for a weekend of FREE, family-friendly fun celebrating care, kindness & community in the heart of Harlow. 💛
This round builds on the success of previous years, offering enhanced support and greater flexibility to help organisations like yours make a lasting impact in the journey to end homelessness.
🌱 About Hopestead
Hopestead is a charity committed to ending homelessness together. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and we work in partnership with communities and organisations to make that vision a reality. Through funding, collaboration, and capacity-building, we support innovative and sustainable solutions that prevent and address homelessness.
💡 What’s on offer in Round 5:
Grants of up to £20,000
Funding period: November 2025 – March 2027 (17 months)
We’re especially keen to hear from organisations we haven’t worked with before. If you’re passionate about creating a future free from homelessness, we’d love to explore how we can support your work.
Renew Counselling is offering a limited number of bursary-funded counselling places for people who are finding life difficult but may struggle to afford support.
Sessions are available at our centres in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.
To find out more please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or calling 01245 359 353, mentioning our bursary when you get in touch.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
If you’re a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), staying up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices is crucial. To maintain your active membership with the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, you are required to complete a refresher course every three years. This ensures you continue receiving essential support, development, and the confidence needed to perform your role effectively.
Upcoming Refresher Training Details
We’re excited to offer an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training Course designed to update your skills and reinforce your confidence in supporting mental health in the workplace or community.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 23rd July 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Half-Day Course) 💻 Format: Online 💷 Cost: £125 per person 🎁 What’s Included: A new workbook, lanyard, and crisis card
Why Take This Course?
The MHFA Refresher course is essential for:
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Renewing your MHFA England membership
Building confidence in applying mental health first aid techniques
Continuing your journey in mental health advocacy and support
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who has previously qualified as a Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England. Whether you’re in a corporate, educational, healthcare, or voluntary setting, this training will support your continued commitment to mental health awareness and intervention.
Healthwatch Essex has published its Annual Report for 2024–2025, showcasing a remarkable year of impact, innovation, and influence across the health and care system in Essex. Despite a challenging landscape marked by system-wide pressures and financial cuts, the organisation has continued to shine a light on the real experiences of people across the county and use those voices to drive change.
From the powerful and moving “Expressions of Trauma” art exhibition to the ever-growing success of the Fella’s Forums and comedy-led wellbeing events, Healthwatch Essex has continued to explore new ways of engaging communities and breaking down stigma around mental health, trauma, and social isolation. Over 1,400 people accessed support through their Information and Guidance service, and nearly 260 volunteers and ambassadors worked alongside the team to ensure lived experience remained at the heart of decision-making.
The report also highlights vital research into the needs of unpaid carers, women with multiple long-term conditions, and people affected by mould, homelessness, and the care system. Healthwatch Essex’s work with the Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners is helping to improve access to services, tackle inequalities, and shape more inclusive support.
CEO Sam Glover reflected on the impact of projects such as the Carers Voices programme and the Trauma Ambassador network, noting the growing influence of peer-led insight and co-production. The organisation was also recognised this year as a Silver Veterans Accredited Employer and a Fostering Friendly Employer.
Read the full Annual Report to learn more about how people across Essex are helping to shape health and care services with their voices and experiences.
📍 Location: Maldon Golf Club 📅 Date: Friday 5th September 2025 ⏰ Tee-Off Time: 10:00 AM (Check-in from 8:30 AM) 💷 Entry Fee: £75 per person
Get ready for an incredible day of golf, connection, and community impact! Heads2Minds and Ending Life’s Taboo are teaming up to host a Charity Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the beautiful Maldon Golf Club – and you’re invited.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just enjoy the game, this is your chance to enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting vital mental health and suicide prevention causes.
🏌️♀️ What’s Included:
☕ Tea, coffee & bacon rolls on arrival
🍽️ Delicious two-course lunch
🎁 Exciting prize raffle
⛳ Competitions like “Nearest to the Pin” and “Beat the Pro”
🎟️ How to Join:
Registration fee: £75 per person
Check-in begins from 8:30 AM
Tee-off at 10:00 AM
This is more than just a game of golf – it’s a chance to connect, raise awareness, and make a real difference. All proceeds go toward supporting mental health initiatives and breaking the stigma around suicide.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day on the green while giving back. Rally your team, grab your clubs, and help us create positive change – one swing at a time.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
The Carers Voices team continues to expand its reach across Essex, listening to unpaid carers and offering a vital platform for their experiences to be heard and valued. From supporting carers with employment struggles to offering training and social opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more connected network for carers across the county.
Upcoming Carers Voices Events
Come and meet us in person at one of our summer engagement events:
Healthier Habits Hub 📅 Thursday, 3rd July | 🕘 9am–4pm 📍 The Lounge, Esplanade Hall, Harwich CO12 3ES
Basildon Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 7th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Broomfield Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 14th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Colchester Carnival 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕘 9am–5pm
Billericay Town FC Fella’s Fair 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕚 11am–5:30pm 📍 New Lodge, CM12 9SA | Free entry before 1pm
Colchester Hospital Atrium 📅 Thursday, 24th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Warley Family Fun Day 📅 Friday, 1st July | 🕘 9am–5pm 📍 Warley Playing Fields, CM13 3AZ
Harlow Care Weekender 📅 Sunday, 3rd August | 🕛 12pm–5pm 📍 Playhouse Square, Harlow
Share Your Experience: Carers and Employment
Balancing work and caring responsibilities is one of the biggest challenges faced by unpaid carers. Many experience real barriers in the workplace.
We’re currently running a live survey to gather insights. 👉 Take the survey here
Your feedback helps shape better services and support.
1 in 4 pregnancies ends in loss, yet only 10% of UK employees say their workplace has a baby loss or miscarriage policy. Even more concerning: over 20% report receiving no support at all from their employer.
As of 2024:
🔹 Only 36% of organisations have a pregnancy loss policy
🔹 Just 24% of leaders say employees feel comfortable speaking about it
🔹 38,000 employees have been trained in bereavement support by Sands — a great start, but we need more
🔹 In sectors like private equity, only 7% have a written policy in place
🔹 NHS England has advised trusts to offer 10 days’ paid miscarriage leave — a step in the right direction
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about compassion, culture, and leadership. Employers must do better in supporting colleagues through unimaginable loss.
👉 If your organisation hasn’t yet implemented baby loss training or support policies, now is the time.
Our next workplace training session takes place on 10th October in Witham and is only £60 per person!
How Compassionate Community Meetups are making a difference in Colchester…
These monthlyCompassionate Community Meetupsare an opportunityto be part of a special group of people, places and projects who are helping build networks of support for others experiencing life’s biggest challenges.
Starting at 10am with a cuppa, Thompson Smith & Puxon and Essex Search & Rescuewill be sharing why & how they are supporting local communities.
There will be an opportunity for further networking, sharing, and learning with other community ambassadors to 11am.
Our wellbeing walk will start at 11am for those who wish to join.
